White teeth, but at what price? In a large survey dedicated to the composition of toothpastes, 60 million consumers analyzed the composition of 12 of these products among the most used by the French. The results are encouraging since, according to this same medium, three out of four products contain a problematic substance for health: titanium dioxide.
“What is worrying, disturbing, is the presence of titanium dioxide, which is always present in half of toothpastes. Currently, titanium dioxide is prohibited in food because there are suspected carcinogenic effects,” he reveals to BFMTV , Sophie Coisne, Associate Editor. -in chief in 60 million consumers.
Titanium dioxide in the viewfinder
According to a note from ANSES, the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety, this substance, in the form of nanometric powder, is used “for its ultraviolet ray absorption properties and its white coloring.”
In light of several studies carried out by this same agency, the Risk Assessment Committee (CER or RAC for risk assessment committee) of the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) concluded that the substance should be “classified as suspected human carcinogen category 2 by inhalation”. In fact, manufacturers must report on their product “the risks workers incur when handling products containing TiO2 (its chemical name, editor’s note)”.
This is not the first time titanium dioxide has been identified in consumer products. In 2019, the Agir pour l’environnement association revealed that two-thirds of the toothpastes tested contained it. It was also recalled that “titanium dioxide is used to color white and to opacify toothpaste, to give it a more ‘hygienic’ appearance that manufacturers consider more profitable.”
promote fluoride
To avoid risks, 60 million consumers advises the French to carefully read the compositions of toothpastes, a reflection that still seems far from being true. Especially since according to this same survey, it is also advisable to be careful with products that promise dazzling whiteness, their components too abrasive that can damage tooth enamel.
On the contrary, it is preferable to favor toothpastes with a high concentration of fluoride.
“It is the most important element, it allows remineralizing the teeth. It is important in terms of acid attacks, fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth and prevents the risk of cavities”, details, with BFMTV, the dentist Saoussen Hamitouche.
As for toothpastes intended for children, 60 million consumers advise respecting the indicated ages to promote good dental growth.
Source: BFM TV
